KATHMANDU, Sept. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- At least 271 people have died of Japanese encephalitis in various districts of Terai Belt in southern Nepal so far this year, official of Health Ministry said Wednesday.
The disease, which has taken a heavy toll in Terai districts like Kailali, Banke, Bardiya, Rupandehi, Rautahat and Sarlahi, is on the wane with the end of monsoon, Hari Nath Acharya, spokesman at Health Ministry, told reporters.
Until last week, officials counted a total of 204 deaths caused by Japanese encephalitis, which is caused by mosquito bite.
"We are now getting about five new patients every day," Acharya noted.
Over 1,665 people were affected by Japanese Encephalitis this year, according to the Health Ministry. Since most deaths occurred due to lack of medicines and health workers, the government have sent medical teams, along with vaccines and mosquito nets, to some affected areas. Enditem
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